Another Democrat To Swich Parties

Associated Press

Another Georgia Democratic has jumped ship. State Rep. Mike Cheokas on Monday became the latest Democratic state lawmaker to switch his allegiance to the Republican Party. Cheokas, of Americus, is the ninth Democratic state lawmaker to switch sides since the Nov. 2 general election.

Republicans now hold 114 seats in the 180-member House. Democrats control 63 seats, there is one independent and two seats are open. The GOP needs 120 seats for a supermajority in the chamber.

Cheokas represents Sumter, Schley and Marion counties, as well as parts of Talbot County. He was first elected to the Georgia House in 2004. Cheokas said he made the switch after "careful consultation with members of my community."